VPN for Small Businesses: Affordable Solutions for Enhanced Data Privacy
Data privacy and online security are everything to small businesses as they already don’t have much to rebuild in case of a serious incident. However, they also don’t have the budget to go spend on expensive hardware and fortify their networks. This is an understandable loop that many small businesses suffer today, but there are great solutions that don’t break the bank yet still protect your data privacy at the highest level.
You can’t talk about an affordable cybersecurity solution without mentioning Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). Today, we will explore how you can leverage VPN tools for better data privacy in small businesses, and we are confident that you’ll be convinced cybersecurity does not have to be expensive.
What Are Virtual Private Networks?
We’ve all heard about the term VPN, but how many of us actually know their functionality and how they exactly help out with our online privacy? First of all, as the name suggests, this tool creates a private network by establishing a secure and encrypted connection over the Internet. Through this virtual connection, users can send and receive communication without being tracked by outside users. By hiding the original IP address of users, VPNs enhance online privacy and let them search through the Internet without worrying about prying eyes.
While there are several VPN types designed for different purposes, all of them work to enhance online privacy and security through encryption and using a different IP address that hides the actual location of users. Individuals frequently use them to stay anonymous on the Internet or overcome geographical restrictions. Businesses, however, opt for VPN tools to secure their networks and provide their users a safe way to access resources over the Internet, communicate with their coworkers, and use applications they need for daily operations.
VPN tools also encrypt all the communication between the involved parties, meaning that they turn plain text into ciphertext, which is impossible to read through even if cybercriminals get their hands on the data. This adds a second layer of anonymity and protection to Internet communications.
Types Of VPN Solutions
There are several types of VPN solutions on the market, each targeting different customer groups or businesses. Understanding VPN types and protocols is critical to get the maximum from the solution of your choice and reinforcing your overall security structure as a small business. Let’s see what these are.
Remote Access VPN
This type of VPN solution is specifically designed for remote workers who need secure access to company resources from anywhere; home, airports, or even coffee shops. Remote access VPN allows them to work as if they are in the office by enabling them to use everything they need that is stored in the company’s networks.
Site-to-Site VPN
Site-to-site VPNs are widely implemented by larger enterprises that have remote offices or business partners. They can connect two or more different networks using this type of VPN, share resources selectively to keep their internal network sterile, and work together on the same project without sacrificing security.
Client-to-Site VPN
Unlike site-to-site VPNs, this type of VPN solution allows individual users to connect to a private network from remote locations. This VPN is mostly used by individual partners or contractors who need limited or temporary access to a company’s network.
Benefits Of Using A VPN For Small Businesses
Enhanced Data Encryption
By encrypting data at rest and in transit, VPN tools prevent unauthorized access to resources and ensure the privacy of sensitive data. Encryption is especially important when a small business handles customer information or financial records.
Protection Against Common Attacks
VPN tools route the traffic through a private network, minimizing the risk of common cyberattacks such as malware infections. The encrypted tunnel created by VPN tools minimizes the risk of a data breach from malicious users.
Secure Remote Access
Small businesses leverage remote work, especially since they can hire employees at affordable salaries without any office expenses. But they need secure access to business resources from where they are. VPN tools allow this private connection via encrypted tunnels and let remote users work as if they are in a physical office.
Factors To Consider When Choosing A VPN For Small Businesses
In addition to the VPN type you choose, you need to consider a few factors when evaluating the potential VPN vendors. We have a small list of common focus points you might want to check.
Security and Encryption Protocols
Check for VPN vendors that offer a reliable and high-end encryption protocol such as AES-256. A robust encryption protocol will ensure that your data stays secure during transmission. Additionally, you need to make sure that the VPN vendor of your choice has a strict no-log policy so they do not track your activities as well as protect it from prying eyes.
Server Network and Locations
Evaluate the server distribution of the VPN vendor. If they have a larger server network when compared to their competitors, it is likely that you will get better performance and more options for connection. Also, make sure to prioritize your business needs and go for providers that have servers close to specific regions or markets you require access.
Speed and Performance
Speed and network performance are two factors that will affect the everyday life of the end users. Make sure to test the speed of the VPN and see if it is fast and reliable. Check if the VPN provider has advanced technologies that minimize the impact of the VPN on your network performance. This will not only increase the overall productivity of your business but also improve the user experience.
The Simplicity of Setup and Usage
As a small business, the last thing you need is a challenging setup process and a tool that requires constant maintenance. You might not have the money or expertise to maintain complex solutions, so the simpler a VPN is to set up and use, the more you save on time and money.